Cold Climate Sanitation: Challenges and Opportunities for Anaerobic Digestion in Alaska
Citation:
McCauley, M. AND M. Krause. Cold Climate Sanitation: Challenges and Opportunities for Anaerobic Digestion in Alaska. IN: Cold Climate Sanitation: Challenges and Opportunities for Anaerobic Digestion in Alaska, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 1-4, (2022).
Impact/Purpose:
In Alaskan villages, freezing temperatures and remote locations issues make installation and operation of typical wastewater treatment systems impossible. The document is intended for the general public to understand the challenges and concerns associated with human waste management in subarctic tribal villages. Ongoing research into the technical feasibility of anaerobic digestion following freezing conditions is being investigated. This document serves as a simple introduction to the technical and social challenges of human waste management in remote, cold climates.
Description:
Currently, over 3,000 Alaskan households use un-piped sanitation systems to dispose of sewage. EPA ORD is conducting research to see if anaerobic digestion (AD) would be an appropriate wastewater treatment system in remote Alaskan communities. A seasonally operated, community-scale anaerobic digester might be possible. This document highlights social and technical challenges that would be faced when designing a waste treatment system for an Alaskan village.